ASICS Nimbus Lite 2 Review
Soft Cushioning and Lightweight Protection
Likes
- Soft cushioning
- Stylish design
- Comfortable fit
- Lightweight feel
Dislikes
- Not responsive
- Low stack height under forefoot
What's New
The next evolution of the ASICS Nimbus series, the Nimbus Lite 2 brings the cushioning you love in a lightweight, eco-friendly package. In version 2, ASICS focused on improving the overall running experience by softening up the midsole and redesigning the upper for an improved fit and feel while using environmentally-friendly materials. The ASICS Nimbus Lite 2 utilizes softer gel technology and a 3D cloud construction that allows for better compression from the midsole. It is finished off with an improved upper made with softer materials and designed for an enhanced fit. Runners who are looking for a premium experience and want to reduce their overall environmental footprint will appreciate this great update from ASICS.
The Bottom Line
The Nimbus Lite 2 continues to provide premium cushioning for runners. This shoe's eco-friendly Flytefoam midsole offers a soft step-in feel that's plush over long miles. Although not the lightest shoe on the market, the Nimbus Lite 2 offers noticeable weight savings compared the the original Nimbus model. Our testers enjoyed their overall experience in the Lite 2. It provided soft cushioning that was protective on long runs, and our team thought the update was a step in the right direction over the previous model.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.6 oz (size 9) |
| Stack Height | 31mm (Heel), 23mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The ASICS Nimbus Lite 2 offers a soft, cushioned ride to help runners stay comfortable on their runs. Our testers appreciated the softness and found it to add to the shoe's protective feel.
Erik: "The initial step-in feel is soft and comfortable, and that continues with the first steps. The Flytefoam underneath provides a cushioned feel that isn't mushy. While I wouldn't call the Nimbus Lite 2 responsive, it isn't going to be a shoe that feels dead on the run either."
Justin: "The Nimbus Lite 2 is SOFT. Honestly, for me, it was maybe too soft. However, that is the purpose of the Nimbus. ASICS built the Nimbus Lite to be an especially comfortable running shoe, and it delivers on this."
Ride/Energy Returni
Keeping in line with the shoe's focus on cushioning above all else, the Nimbus Lite 2 delivers on a plush underfoot feel, but at the expense of responsiveness.
Erik: "This shoe is super soft, but not very responsive. This isn't a bad thing, but it wouldn't be my go-to shoe for faster-paced runs. The weight, while light for a daily trainer, doesn't lend itself to speed. The midsole didn't have a snappy response when it came time to pick up the pace."
Justin: "I didn't feel like the Nimbus Lite 2 was very responsive or propulsive. This shoe offers a mushy softness which didn't return any energy as I ran."
Underfoot Protectioni
Our testers enjoyed the underfoot protection that the Nimbus Lite 2 offered. They felt it provided enough cushioning for most daily workouts, but they noted that it could feel a little thin in the forefoot on longer runs.
Erik: "The Nimbus Lite 2 provides enough protection for a long run without the shoe feeling bottomed out. The cushioning is there to protect the legs while putting in the miles."
Justin: "This shoe is protective enough for most efforts, and I'd venture to say most runners too. However, I'd like to have a little more forefoot protection. Personally, I think ASICS could have taken a couple (or a few) millimeters from the heel and added them to the forefoot."
Flexibilityi
Despite boasting high amounts of cushioning, the ASICS Nimbus Lite 2 still offers a reasonably flexible ride. Our team was surprised how smooth the ride felt, given the level of cushioning.
Erik: "Even with the amount of protection underneath, the Flytefoam provides a smooth ride that keeps the shoe feeling flexible."
Justin: "The Nimbus Lite 2 surprised me with its flexibility. I'd run in previous Nimbus models and didn't feel they had much flex. The Lite 2 has good flexibility and felt smooth through my stride."
Upper Supporti
The upper on the Nimbus Lite 2 was designed to provide a comfortable, locked-in fit. Our testers enjoyed their experience in it and found that ASICS succeeded in their goal.
Erik: "The Nimbus Lite 2 provides a well-fitting upper with a nice amount of padding in the tongue and heel collar. This isn't a lightweight upper for a lightweight shoe; it locks you in and supports you for the long run."
Justin: "I felt the upper of the Nimbus Lite 2 was everything it needed to be. It was roomy and comfortable with a solid midfoot lockdown. I had no issues or concerns with it."
Individual Thoughts
For the category of premium cushioned shoes, the Nimbus Lite 2 takes plushness to where it should be and does so with a light and sleek package. If the Nimbus should be about a comfortable ride in a premium package, then the Nimbus Lite 2 delivers all that and a little more. This is a smooth trainer in a light (slightly over 10 oz) package. The Nimbus Lite 2 has quickly turned into my go-to recovery day choice.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The ASICS Nimbus Lite 2 is exactly what I'd expect from a Nimbus shoe, feeling comfortable, soft, and protective. Personally, I felt that it might have been too soft for my daily training. However, if you are looking for a ton of comfort, you should definitely consider this shoe. I'd put it on par with any of the most comfortable shoes I've tried on the market today. It has a ton of fantastic qualities, but it just wasn't the top shoe for my runs.
